Signed on loan from Tottenham Hotspur at beginning of January, the 21-year-old suffered an injury less than 20 minutes into his U's debut in the FA Cup third round against MK Dons.
Donley has spent over a month out due to a shoulder problem, but Yellows boss Matt Bloomfield has revealed that he will play against the Black Cats this Sunday.
"Jamie’s chomping at the bit," the Oxford boss told the media.
Jamie Donley signs for Oxford United on loan (Image: Oxford United)
"As long as nothing happens in training tomorrow, Jamie will be involved in the squad on Sunday, whether that’s from the start or that’s from the bench.
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"He's been training this week. He’s trained really well this morning, and we’ll look to get him some minutes.
"We hope to have possibly two back so we’ll try and get those some minutes.
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"We’re still a couple away from having the full compliment but the squad’s getting stronger."
The other return from injury could be left back Jack Currie who has had his comeback hinted at prior to the previous handful of games.
Midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker looks like he will remain side-lined for the weekend's FA Cup action, with Bloomfield confirming that he is 'not quite there yet'.